The Wits School of Anatomical Sciences hosts a exhibition at Maropeng Visitor Centre from 23 September to 5 October in honour of the School's centenary.

In 2019, the School of Anatomical Sciences in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Wits celebrates 100 years of existence. As part of the celebrations, an exhibition will open at Maropeng on 23 September 2019, from 09:00 to 15:00 daily, until 5 October 2019.

The School of Anatomical Science has a long and deep history in palaeoanthropology, from housing important fossil material to grooming some of the prolific leaders in palaeoanthropology and it is only fitting that in celebration of 100 years of excellence, the past will once again meet the present at Maropeng at the Cradle of Humankind Heritage Site.

The main goal of this exhibition involves academic outreach. The School would like to take this opportunity to engage and interact with the public concerning all facets of anatomy. We are specifically excited to interact with the youth that will be visiting Maropeng and have several fun-filled activities demonstrating the variety of research endeavours in which the School is currently involved.

Highlights include:

Plastic models to demonstrate the anatomy

A neuroscience-based brain puzzle

A mock excavation of a plastic skeleton

A microscopically stained onion to demonstrate cell mitosis

Extracting DNA from a strawberry,

and details a body donor programme to encourage body donation after death and thereby advance research and teaching.

The study of anatomy is linked to a plethora of academic fields such as medicine, paleoanthropology, forensic anthropology, medical cell biology, clinical anatomy, embryology and neuroscience to mention but a few and as such, many important research projects have been undertaken by students and staff alike based in the school. This will also allow for prospective young anatomists in the making to learn about a possible career in this broad field. We will also have information on the School's body donor programme which has and will continue to aid in the development of health professionals and scientists.

Join our team of vibrant volunteers at Maropeng and learn more about the incredible field of anatomical sciences!